Economic, social life of the Murray in spotlight

Members of the Murray CMA Community Committee at their first meeting in Barooga late last month. The management of natural resources and the way they influence the economic and social life of the NSW Murray catchment will be under the spotlight as the Murray CMA Community Committee works with the catchment community to develop the Murray Catchment Action Plan over the next 12 months.

Murray CMA Board have taken a fresh and innovative approach to the development of the Catchment Action Plan by devolving the task of preparing the plan to a community based

committee.

This approach will ensure that the opinions and aspirations of the NSW Murray catchment community are listened to in the development of the five-year plan, which will guide investment to ensure the maintenance and enhancement of productive landscapes across the catchment.

The Committee is chaired by David Sexton of Thurgoona, who has served on a number of boards and committees involved with catchment management, pest plants and animals as well as having a distinguished career in local government administration.

The Committee reflects not only the geographic spread of the NSW Murray catchment, but represents all aspects of the social and economic fabric of the community from farmers to the urban

population, local government to indigenous

communities.

David Sexton said that the Murray Catchment Action Plan would balance the expectations of the community and government to produce a plan that is adopted by the community and endorsed by all government agencies.

“We are committed to balancing sound environmental management with economic well being for farmers, the wider catchment community and the towns that support them.

“It is essential that the agricultural industries are productive, profitable and viable, to get investment in natural resource management across the Murray Catchment”, he said.

“We are keen to involve and collaborate with a wide range of community groups and individuals, whether they are farmers, residents of the towns of the Murray catchment, small landholders, or groups with a special interest in biodiversity, cropping, irrigation or soil health.”

“Our committee members are well known in their communities and industries, so I would strongly encourage people to contact them and have a talk about their ideas for managing the natural resources of the Murray catchment”, he added.

An extensive engagement program will commence in April and continue right throughout May and June, providing the catchment community with an opportunity to become involved and help shape the future of natural resource management within the catchment. Details on the times and locations will be announced in the near future.